November 2023
Holly
Seiberlich
,
RN
9MB
Harborview Medical Center
Seattle
,
WA
United States
Amanda and Holly both offered to present the American flag to the patient and their family. Both of whom are active or retired military.
In brief, a patient on our unit was transitioning to comfort care. Amanda, who was the RN for this patient the day before, was informed by the family that the patient was retired military. Amanda took it upon herself and asked her husband to pick up an American flag that evening. The following day, I had the privilege of taking care of the patient and picking up where Amanda left off. Amanda and Holly both offered to present the American flag to the patient and their family. Both of whom are active or retired military. The flag was then draped over the patient, and a final military salute was performed. This honorable and noble gesture brought immense comfort to the family in their time of need. The 13-flag fold was then performed, and it was graciously handed back to the family. The flag and memory of this honorary tradition is something the family will always have. Amanda and Holly gave that to that family.